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Holiday Tipping Guide: 2009

Published Mon, Dec 21 200912:57 PM ESTUpdated Wed, Mar 17 201010:56 PM EDT

Whom To Tip

Smart phones are at the top of a lot of holiday shopping lists this year, and with the number of models available, choosing the right one can be tricky. Here's a need-to-know guide to nine devices, based on on features, price, network and platform. Check out the phones (listed in alphabetical order by name).

Everyone's budget is tight this year, but tipping is still expected by those who count it as a considerable part of their income. We asked tipping experts to tell us whom you should consider tipping and amounts that are customary to give.

Posted Nov. 20, 2009

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Housekeeper: One Week's Pay

A week's pay is suitable for housekeepers. If, however, you use more than one person to clean, give gifts instead.

A week's pay is suitable for housekeepers. If, however, you use more than one person to clean, give gifts instead.

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Teachers: Gift

Skip giving cash or gift cards, it could look like a bribe. Many schools ban cash tips, anyway. Experts recommend small gifts or giving a group gift with other parents. Or "give some supplies for the classroom," says behavioral psychologist Matt Wallaert, a science advisor at , a free financial management Web site.

Babysitter: One Week’s Pay

Full time babysitters should get one week’s worth of pay, but if you have a sitter that comes by regularly about once a month, give them a tip of an average night’s pay.

Full time babysitters should get one week’s worth of pay, but if you have a sitter that comes by regularly about once a month, give them a tip of an average night’s pay.

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Building Staff: $50-$100

If you're living in a doorman building, where they carry your bags, deal with pacakges packages and open doors, you'll need to tip them if you want the same good service next year. The same goes with superintendents and maintenance workers. The amount of the tip p varies based on where you live and the quality of the the building.

If you're living in a doorman building, where they carry your bags, deal with packages and open doors; you'll need to tip them if you want the same good service next year. The same goes with superintendents and maintenance workers. The amount of the tip varies based on where you live and the quality of the building.

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Dog Walker: One Week's Pay

A daily dog walker gets one week's pay, but if the service is less regular, a tip equal the amount of one session is adequate.

A daily dog walker gets one week's pay, but if the service is less regular, a tip equal the amount of one session is adequate.

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Hairdresser/Barber: Cost of One Session

The cost of one session is the standard holiday tip , but only to those you use regularly.

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Mail/Package Carrier: Gift

United States Post Office, FedEx and UPS workers aren't allowed to accept any cash or gift cards, so if feel so inclined, go with a gift worth $20 or less.

United States Post Office, FedEx and UPS workers aren't allowed to accept any cash or gift cards, so if feel so inclined, go with a gift worth $20 or less.

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Newspaper Carrier: $25

If you're only getting newspaper deliveries on the weekend, give $10.

If you're only getting newspaper deliveries on the weekend, give $10.

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Trash Collectors: $20 Each

Trash collectors come by early in the morning, and you probably never see them, but they still expect something. Twenty dollars for each trash collector is fine. If you're living in an apartment building, the management will usually take care of it.